When we install our clients we seem to spend way to much time on weird network issues.

On the next install we are going to bring our own gear - what's a good series of routers/switches that will communicate well with each-other without breaking the banks of our clients. 4/8/24 port would suffice. Do you recommend having WiFi built into these devices or separate device carrying WiFi? If separate please list models and prices similar to the ones listed below. Thanks!

Model numbers and distributors with decent prices would be a x-mas bonus.

personally we are a fan of the netgear GS724T 24 port gigabit switch with the ability to have fiber modules. you can also manage this switch's basic functions which is handy. they retail at around £130 not sure what the $ would be.

In terms of routers, for performance and price we always go with the Draytek 2830n (which replaced the 2820n) so it has wireless n, 4 x gigabit ports on the front as well as tripple internet connection (dsl, cable and usb for printer or 3g dongle)

as for the smaller switches any netgear prosafe ones (the blue metal ones) give good performance at a reasonable price.

I know most IT people will have different views on this but I speak from experience we have!

I would look for an open source gateway/router such as IPcop, that will eliminate most of the network funkyness (learned these lessons myself in the networking field) from there just make sure you have some gigabit switches of some sort (remember if you buy cheap switches, expect to loose a port or so a year, as they often die)

once that is all in place, you generally stabilize your environment, assuming this is a deployment of 1000 or less servers/workstations

There is no 24 port router. You want a 24port switch right?
You can use a old desktop for a vyatta or untangle router/firewall.

I think I remember seeing a Linksys RV that had a 24port switch but it was terrible. (DHCP would double lease IP's).

I always recommend separating out WIFI to a separate devices, the cheap things (like WRT54G's) often have the wireless radio chipset melt.

If you just want something that will technically work and are looking at SOHO, Negear for the router, and Dlink 1024D green switches (really low power, work well it hot conditions). This is the "cheap" option.

As for good routers/gateway devices, I recommend just deploy an ASA 5505. You can get one for like $600 and then have full remote management, and don't choke on VPN traffic. For switches, CIsco 2960 lan-lite still run IOS. You can get a 100mbps for under $500 or a couple hundred more of the S variant. I know these are way out of your stated budget, but given how many switches/routers I manage around the globe having, the full power of IOS for remote troubleshooting. Cisco has started doing free NBD replacement on their cheaper stuff, but will still offer replacement warranties as low as 2 hours in major metro areas.

I don't have a recommendation as far as routers are concerned, but I think TrendNet makes a good managed gig switch with some miniGB ports (TEG 160WS is the model number for the 16-port). The switches do VLANs, QoS, and are easy to use. They can be scanned with SW using SNMP but their configuration cannot be backed up with SW like other brands of switches.

I don't have a recommendation as far as routers are concerned, but I think TrendNet makes a good managed gig switch with some miniGB ports (TEG 160WS is the model number for the 16-port). The switches do VLANs, QoS, and are easy to use. They can be scanned with SW using SNMP but their configuration cannot be backed up with SW like other brands of switches.

I remember having a trendnet that had to be attached to a window unit under load :)

Well I would say, it all depends on what your clients are doing? but if its cheap that your after then I would have to say TP-Link all the way, cheap and functional, for example I can get a 4 port router with Ethernet WAN and wifi for under $19 where I am, if it breaks just swap it out!... but if you want quality units then that's not so cheap. Linksys and Netgear are good options for lower end units.

Ultra cheap router solution would be a ole Linksys WRT54GS with dd-wrt loaded on it...:-> Done in many times for home installs. On the 24 port switch we recently picked up a Netgear 724T series switch like others have mentioned at worked for a remote IDF. Nice switch for the cost and it does do (thru web based administration) VLANs and QOS..

Just remember to change out the hard drive every so and so often if you will be using a software firewall. I have used IPCOP for over 4 year, but power and other hardware issues kept causing my system to die, get corrupted or just not work anymore.

Just remember to change out the hard drive every so and so often if you will be using a software firewall. I have used IPCOP for over 4 year, but power and other hardware issues kept causing my system to die, get corrupted or just not work anymore.

We are moving to Hardware firewalls, ths USG-200 from Zyxel, it costs a bit more, but you get 5 years warranty, plus free firmware upgrades (don't you just hat Cisco for charging?)

You don't need a smartnet for bugfixes for IOS. (Cisco lost a class action lawsuit over that). They have lifetime NBD replacement for some devices now built into purchase price.